Plant Director

The Plant Director will function as Site Leader and manage all operations of our Madison, WI ice cream manufacturing facility. This leader will instill a World Class Culture with focus in safe work practices, food safety & quality compliance, customer centricity and profitability. This individual will play a pivotal role in developing a high caliber team, implementing cutting-edge systems and processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Director of Operations must demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and change management skills, fostering a collaborative and data-driven

work environment.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Oversee daily operations to meet production goals, quality standards, shipments, and safety regulations.
• Ensure maximum operational efficiency while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and company policies.
• Champion best practices in manufacturing and process optimization to drive cost savings, reduce waste, and increase production capacity.
• Lead the cultural transformation initiatives, fostering a collaborative, engaged, and high-performance work environment.
• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Build and nurture positive relationships across all levels of the organization, from the plant floor to senior management.
• Assist with the implementation of advanced systems and technology, such as ERP, WMS, and other manufacturing process improvement tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of new systems into daily operations.
• Monitor performance metrics and leverage data-driven insights to drive decision-making and improvements.
• Ensure a zero-harm work environment by enforcing safety standards and fostering a safety-first culture.
• Oversee compliance with all applicable health, safety, environmental, and quality regulations.
• Lead, coach, and mentor a diverse team of managers, supervisors, and staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Drive talent development initiatives, including succession planning, training, and performance management.
• Actively engage employees to boost morale, productivity, and retention.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies to support the growth and scalability of the plant.
• Partner with executive leadership to align operational objectives with broader business goals.
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and incorporate best practices into the manufacturing operations. Maintain accurate records of production, inventory, and employee performance. Maintain and complete all required documentation following OSHA and EPA regulatory requirements (e.g., logs, records, checklist, etc.)
• The job duties outlined above are not exhaustive and may evolve or change based on the needs of the business. The Plant Director is expected to take on additional responsibilities as required to ensure the continued success of the plant and the broader organization.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Manufacturing, Food Science, or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a managerial role within a manufacturing environment, preferably in the food industry.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, GMP, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing systems (ERP, WMS) and process improvement methodologies (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma).
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven experience in cultural transformation and change management in a fast-paced environment

Experience:

• 7 years of experience working as a Plant Manager/Site Leader/Director of Operations
• 10 years of experience working in Food Manufacturing